US4419789A - Torsion hinge - Google Patents

Torsion hinge Download PDF

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Publication number
US4419789A
US4419789A US06/194,529 US19452980A US4419789A US 4419789 A US4419789 A US 4419789A US 19452980 A US19452980 A US 19452980A US 4419789 A US4419789 A US 4419789A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
trunk
torsion bar
lid
mounting hole
end portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US06/194,529
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English (en)
Inventor
Tatsuhiko Matsui
Yasumasa Okada
Minoru Shimatsu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nissan Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Assigned to NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. reassignment NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: OKADA YASUMASA, MATSUI TATSUHIKO, SHIMATSU MINORU
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4419789A publication Critical patent/US4419789A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F1/00—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • E05F1/08—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings
    • E05F1/10—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance
    • E05F1/12—Mechanisms in the shape of hinges or pivots, operated by springs
    • E05F1/123—Mechanisms in the shape of hinges or pivots, operated by springs with a torsion bar
    • E05F1/1238—Mechanisms in the shape of hinges or pivots, operated by springs with a torsion bar specially adapted for vehicles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
    • E05Y2900/548—Trunk lids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates in general to an opening mechanism for use with an automobile, and more particularly to a torsion bar type opening mechanism for a swingably openable trunk lid of the vehicle.
  • a torsion bar type opening mechanism As an opening mechanism for an automotive trunk lid or its equivalent, a torsion bar type opening mechanism has been widely used. Usually, such a mechanism comprises two reversely arranged torsion bars, each having one end connected to a stationary portion of the vehicle body and the other end connected to the lid. Upon closing the lid, each torsion bar is twisted about its axis to produce a torsional force urging the lid to open.
  • drawbacks have been encountered emanating from the complicated construction thereof.
  • several brackets are usually required for connection between each torsion bar and its associated member or portion, thereby causing complications in construction. Sometimes, the presence of such brackets reduces the amount of usable trunk space and spoils the appearance of the assembled hinge mechanism. Further, the provision of such brackets increases the cost of vehicle manufacturing.
  • an opening mechanism of an automobile trunk lid generally comprises a hinge-like pivot arm which swingably connects the lid to the trunk, and a torsion bar which produces, upon closing the lid, a torsional force to urge the lid to open.
  • One end of the torsion bar is connected to the hinge and the other end is retained by a mounting hole formed in one of the rear pillars of the automobile.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive trunk and an open lid showing the improved opening mechanism of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed perspective view of the portion enclosed by a circle "II" indicated in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line "III--III" shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of an S-shaped mounting hole shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 1 there is partially shown an automobile 10 having a rear trunk 12.
  • a lid or cover 14 is swingably connected to the trunk by means of two hinges. Similar to the conventional opening mechanisms mentioned hereinbefore, the mechanism of the present invention is constructed and arranged to produce, upon closing the lid 14, a force which urges the lid 14 to open.
  • the opening mechanism of the present invention includes two spaced identical hinges (or pivot arms) 16 and 18 which pivotally connect the lid 14 to the trunk 12.
  • each hinge 16 (or 18) is constructed to have a straight section 16a and a curved section 16b for the purpose of assuring smooth swinging movement of the lid 14.
  • the straight section 16a of the hinge 16 is secured to the lid 14, while the leading end of the curved section 16b of same is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 20 to a stationary support 22 secured to the vehicle body.
  • the arrangement of the other hinge 18 with respect to the trunk 12 and the lid 14 is substantially the same as in the case of the hinge 16.
  • An arm member 24 is secured at one of its ends to the curved section 16b of the hinge 16.
  • the other end of the arm member 24 is formed with a longitudinally extending slot 26 for a purpose which will become clear as the description proceeds.
  • the hinge 18 also has an arm corresponding to the member 24.
  • the hinge mechanism further comprises two reversely arranged identical torsion bars 28 and 30 which lie across the trunk 12. More particularly, the torsion bars extend between two spaced rear pillars 32 and 34 of the vehicle body, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • Each torsion bar 28 or 30 has one end 36 (only one is shown) bent into a L-shape and the other end 38 (only one is shown) bent into a V-shape. As shown in FIG.
  • the L-shaped end 36 of the torsion bar 28 engages the arm member 24 with the normally bent tip 36a thereof received in the slot 26, while the V-shaped end 38 of the other torsion bar 30 engages with an S-shaped mounting hole 40 formed in an inner panel 42 of the rear pillar 32 or its equivalent of the vehicle, adjacent a rear wheel housing 43.
  • the manner in which the V-shaped end 38 engages the mounting hole 40 will be described in detail hereinafter.
  • the other end (not shown in FIG. 2) of the torsion bar 28 has the same construction as the V-shaped end 38 of the torsion bar 30, and the other end (not shown in FIG. 2) of the torsion bar 30 has the same construction as the L-shaped end 36 of the torsion bar 28.
  • the V-shaped end of the torsion bar 28 engages another S-shaped mounting hole of the other rear pillar 34 in substantially the same manner as in the case of the V-shaped end 38
  • the L-shaped end of the torsion bar 30 engages the corresponding arm member of the hinge 18 in substantially the same manner as in the case of the L-shaped end 36.
  • the S-shaped mounting hole 40 is formed to have upper and lower tongue sections 45 and 44 which project in opposite directions, leaving two recesses 46 and 48 adjacent thereto, as shown.
  • Denoted by numeral 50 is the bottom section of the mounting hole 40.
  • the lower tongue portion 44 is slightly bent toward the inside of the trunk 12, while the bottom section 50 is slightly bent outwardly so that a suitable gap is defined therebetween.
  • the inner panel 42 has two portions 44 and 50 which partially define the perimeter of the hole 40. The two portions 44 and 50 are bent so that they project in generally opposite directions out of the plane of the major portion of inner panel 42 (as shown in FIG. 3).
  • the dimensions of the mounting hole 40 are chosen so that the tip of bent end 38a is disposed a greater distance from major section 38c than the greatest distance across mounting hole 40.
  • the inner panel 42 adjacent the recess 48 is constructed to have a helically curved surface.
  • the angled corner section 38b of the V-shaped end 38 is inserted into the hole 40 with the tip of the bent end 38a remaining in the trunk 12. Then, the torsion bar 30 is rotated about the axis of the major section 38c thereof in a suitable direction until the major section 38c and the bent end 38a of the bar 30 are brought into contact with the recesses 46 and 48 of the hole 40, respectively. Under this condition, tight engagement between the V-shaped end 38 and the inner panel 42 of the rear pillar 32 is achieved because of the provision of the helically curved surface given to the lower tongue section 44 and the bottom section 50. The engagement of the other torsion bar 28 with the other S-shaped mounting hole formed in the pillar 34 is made in substantially the same manner as mentioned above.
  • the arrangement of the torsion bars 28 and 30 with respect to the corresponding arm members and the S-shaped mounting holes is so made that upon closing the lid 14 and locking the same in the closed position relative to the trunk 12, the torsion bars 28 and 30 are twisted about their axes to produce a torsional force to urge the lid 14 to open.
  • the lid 14 upon releasing the lock, the lid 14 is caused to swing about the pivot pins 20 to open due to the combined torsional force of the torsion bars 28 and 30.
  • the present invention a simple construction of the opening mechanism is achieved because of using the simple but assured mounting measure applied to the connection between the torsion bars and the rear pillars.
  • This invention eliminates the need for the torsion bar mounting plate used in prior art devices. With the torsion bar mounting plate omitted, the trunk contains more usable space. Additionally, the S-shaped mounting holes can be easily formed in the vehicle pillar sections when stamped from sheet metal. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate the ease with which the torsion bar is fitted into the S-shaped mounting holes.

Landscapes

  • Superstructure Of Vehicle (AREA)
  • Closing And Opening Devices For Wings, And Checks For Wings (AREA)
  • Hinge Accessories (AREA)
US06/194,529 1979-10-09 1980-10-06 Torsion hinge Expired - Lifetime US4419789A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP1979140870U JPS6318541Y2 (nl) 1979-10-09 1979-10-09
JP54-140870[U] 1979-10-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4419789A true US4419789A (en) 1983-12-13

Family

ID=15278660

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US06/194,529 Expired - Lifetime US4419789A (en) 1979-10-09 1980-10-06 Torsion hinge

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4419789A (nl)
JP (1) JPS6318541Y2 (nl)
DE (1) DE3038054C2 (nl)
FR (1) FR2467280A1 (nl)
GB (1) GB2060049B (nl)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4856142A (en) * 1985-11-13 1989-08-15 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Hinge structure with torsion bars
WO1994024394A1 (en) * 1993-04-09 1994-10-27 The Bilco Company Door assembly with augmented counterbalancing
US5787549A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-08-04 Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation Torsion rod hinge with friction dampening
US6561333B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2003-05-13 Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation Spring clutch utilizing torque slip clips
US20030110590A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Ron Tolmei Safety device to prevent the unintentional closing of a vehicle's trunk or hood lid
US20090224567A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-10 Mazda Motor Corporation Baggage compartment structure of vehicle
US8708394B1 (en) 2012-12-14 2014-04-29 Chrysler Group Llc Torsion rod isolator

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19646939C2 (de) * 1996-11-13 2000-04-06 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Federsystem für eine schwenkbare Klappe eines Kraftfahrzeugs
CN110552575A (zh) * 2019-09-03 2019-12-10 芜湖莫森泰克汽车科技股份有限公司 一种连杆尾门开闭驱动机构

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2916763A (en) * 1959-12-15 Torsion bar hinge assembly
US4291501A (en) * 1978-02-24 1981-09-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Device for counterbalancing a swivelable body part on a motor vehicle

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1149268B (de) * 1955-10-19 1963-05-22 Alexander Squire Ltd Deckelscharnier
DE1191699B (de) * 1960-05-19 1965-04-22 Ford Werke Ag Ausgleichsfederanordnung, insbesondere fuer Kofferraumdeckel
DE7018980U (de) * 1970-05-22 1970-09-17 Opel Adam Ag Vorrichtung zur lagerung und zum federnden gewichtsausgleich von beweglichen teilen, insbesondere kofferraumdeckeln.
FR2281480A1 (fr) * 1974-08-07 1976-03-05 Lancia Automobili Dispositif a charniere pour les capots de coffres a bagages de vehicules
DE2718887C3 (de) * 1977-04-28 1980-07-17 Audi Nsu Auto Union Ag, 7107 Neckarsulm Vorrichtung zur Lagerung einer Heckklappe für Kraftfahrzeuge

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2916763A (en) * 1959-12-15 Torsion bar hinge assembly
US4291501A (en) * 1978-02-24 1981-09-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Device for counterbalancing a swivelable body part on a motor vehicle

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4856142A (en) * 1985-11-13 1989-08-15 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Hinge structure with torsion bars
WO1994024394A1 (en) * 1993-04-09 1994-10-27 The Bilco Company Door assembly with augmented counterbalancing
US5373665A (en) * 1993-04-09 1994-12-20 The Bilco Company Door assembly with augmented counterbalancing
US5787549A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-08-04 Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation Torsion rod hinge with friction dampening
US6561333B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2003-05-13 Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation Spring clutch utilizing torque slip clips
US20030110590A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Ron Tolmei Safety device to prevent the unintentional closing of a vehicle's trunk or hood lid
US6668422B2 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-12-30 Ron Tolmei Safety device to prevent the unintentional closing of a vehicle's trunk or hood lid
US20090224567A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-10 Mazda Motor Corporation Baggage compartment structure of vehicle
US8708394B1 (en) 2012-12-14 2014-04-29 Chrysler Group Llc Torsion rod isolator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5657178U (nl) 1981-05-18
FR2467280B1 (nl) 1983-12-30
FR2467280A1 (fr) 1981-04-17
GB2060049A (en) 1981-04-29
GB2060049B (en) 1983-05-05
DE3038054C2 (de) 1986-10-09
JPS6318541Y2 (nl) 1988-05-25
DE3038054A1 (de) 1982-02-25

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